Recently The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) issued an important advisory that has drawn the attention of educators, students, and parents across the state. In an unprecedented move, the council has recommended that higher secondary schools continue academic instruction through online classes even during the summer vacation. While the proposal is not mandatory, it highlights the importance of consistent academic engagement amidst the various structural and logistic challenges that schools and students are facing.
This decision marks a pivotal moment in the state’s educational policy, particularly in light of the growing demand for uninterrupted learning and the increasing integration of digital education in India’s academic systems.
Understanding the Reason Behind the Initiative
There are Several factors have contributed to this decision by the WBCHSE. One of the primary motivations is the delay in the distribution of textbooks and academic resources for the new academic session. Many schools reported receiving textbooks well after the session had started, which naturally affected the timely commencement of syllabus coverage. This setback could potentially compromise student preparedness for semester examinations, especially given the newly implemented academic structure.
Additionally, the introduction of the semester system by WBCHSE in Class 11 and Class 12 has brought with it the need for strict adherence to contact hours and lesson plans. The semester system, which divides the academic year into four terms over two years, demands a tighter schedule and more efficient use of instructional time. Any disruption, including delayed materials or extended holidays, could throw the academic calendar off balance.
In light of these challenges, the WBCHSE has suggested a flexible solution: continue classes online during the summer break to ensure syllabus completion and maintain momentum.
Voluntary Participation and Mutual Consent
It’s important to emphasize that these online classes are not compulsory. The WBCHSE has clearly stated that such classes should be conducted only with mutual consent between teachers and students. Schools are advised to take into account the availability of both educators and learners, their access to digital tools, and their willingness to participate.
The council has left it to individual institutions to design a structure that works best for their students, offering a level of autonomy and adaptability that is crucial in a diverse educational landscape like West Bengal’s.
This approach recognizes that one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work in education, especially when considering disparities in access to technology, electricity, and even basic internet connectivity across rural and urban regions.
Benefits of Online Learning During Vacation
Despite being optional, many educational stakeholders see this initiative as a forward-thinking move with numerous potential benefits for students and teachers alike. Here are some key advantages:
1. Continued Academic Engagement
Extended breaks often lead to students losing touch with their studies. Online classes can help keep students mentally engaged and in academic mode, reducing the learning gap that often follows long holidays.
2. Flexibility in Learning
Online classes allow students to learn from the comfort of their homes. Teachers can use recorded lectures, live sessions, and interactive activities to maintain flexibility while ensuring syllabus completion.
3. Better Preparedness for Exams
Given the pressure of the semester system, continuous learning during breaks can ensure that students are not rushed through the syllabus. This gives them adequate time to revise and understand concepts deeply before exams.
4. Digital Skill Development
Engaging in online classes helps students improve their technological proficiency—a skill that is increasingly important in today’s world. From using video conferencing tools to accessing digital learning resources, students become better prepared for higher education and future careers.
Challenges and Concerns
While the initiative has its merits, it is not without challenges. Some of the most commonly raised concerns include:
1. Digital Divide
Not all students in West Bengal have access to smartphones, laptops, or reliable internet connections. Particularly in rural or economically weaker sections, this creates a gap between students who can participate in online learning and those who cannot.
2. Teacher Availability
Summer vacation is traditionally a time for rest, recuperation, and professional development. Some teachers may be unavailable due to prior commitments or personal reasons. The WBCHSE has respected this by making the initiative voluntary, but implementation could still be uneven across schools.
3. Lack of Engagement
Online learning can sometimes lead to reduced student participation and focus, especially without the structure of a physical classroom. To combat this, teachers need to adopt interactive teaching methods and tools that keep students interested.
4. Mental Health Considerations
An extended academic calendar with no break can lead to burnout among students. Hence, schools need to strike a balance between academic demands and the mental well-being of learners.
How Schools Can Implement This Effectively
To make the most of the WBCHSE’s recommendation, schools can consider the following steps:
- Survey Students and Parents: Before starting online classes, conduct a simple s
urvey to assess students’ interest, availability, and access to devices/internet.
- Prepare a Light Curriculum: Summer vacation classes should focus on revision, concept-building, or bridging gaps—not covering entire chapters at once.
- Use Low-Bandwidth Tools: Platforms like Google Meet, Zoom Lite, or even WhatsApp can be used to share notes, voice recordings, and short videos for those with limited connectivity.
- Keep Sessions Short and Interactive: Classes should be no longer than 30-40 minutes, with a focus on discussion, Q&A, and interactive content.
- Encourage Peer Learning: Group work, peer discussions, or even collaborative assignments can help improve engagement.
Response from the Education Community
Reactions to the WBCHSE’s directive have been mixed but largely positive. Many teachers welcome the move as an opportunity to maintain academic continuity, though they emphasize the need for flexibility.
Some schools have already begun preparing schedules for light-touch online classes in subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science. Others are planning workshops, bridge courses, or Q&A sessions to help students stay connected academically during the break.
Parents too are showing interest, particularly those whose children are preparing for competitive exams and entrance tests. The online format gives students the chance to reinforce classroom learning without compromising their vacation entirely.
A Sign of the Times: Hybrid Education is Here to Stay
What this initiative truly reflects is the growing importance of hybrid education—a blend of online and offline teaching methods. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption in Indian education, and measures like this by WBCHSE indicate that online learning will continue to complement traditional schooling.
As India moves toward educational reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, such steps align with the broader goals of flexibility, inclusivity, and technology integration in teaching.
The WBCHSE’s advisory to conduct online classes during the summer vacation is a well-intentioned step aimed at addressing the disruptions caused by logistical delays and adapting to the demands of the semester system. By making it voluntary and flexible, the council has ensured that schools and teachers can adapt it based on their unique circumstances.
To make it successful, schools must ensure that student well-being is kept in mind, digital access is supported wherever possible, and that teaching remains engaging and effective. If implemented thoughtfully, this initiative could set a strong precedent for adaptive education models in West Bengal and beyond.
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